BANANA CAFE
1215 DUVAL ST, Key West FL 33040 · 305.294.7227
Last inspected Jul 28, 2026 · 9 visits since August 2023
DEC 24
APR 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
JUL 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections, climbing. The current grade is the best on record.
Live, small flying insects found observed 1 fly around compartment sink area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2025079093 | Aug 18, 2025 | Jan 21, 2026 | $400 |
| 1--2015009821 | Jan 22, 2015 | Apr 6, 2015 | $400 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jul 28, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed reach in cooler soiled with food debris at prep area. Manager cleaned during inspection.
Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal bag on top prep table behind front counter. Employee removed and stored properly.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled with food debris at cook line and inside walk in freezer.
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed oven interior soiled with food debris at cook line.
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed at cook line.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign at handwashing sink at cook line. Provided operator with handwashing hand out via email. Manager printed and displayed during inspection.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed plastic containers with rice, sugar not labeled at dry storage area. Manager labeled during inspection.
Jan 12, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Observed staff member no knowing the correct chlorine concentration for the dish machine. Coached staff on correct procedure.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting soiled across cook line.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at bathroom door directly at end of hallway.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled at prep area.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed 7 ROP bags of fully thawed salmon at walk-in cooler. Packs were discarded.
Food stored on floor. Observed raw salmon bucket on floor at dry storage area. Bucket was removed from floor. Also observed box of fries on walk-in freezer floor.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at reach-in freezer cooling unit.
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed light shield in disrepair across from walk-in cooler.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed light shield missing at dry storage area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer gaskets soiled.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected. Observed at one of the bathrooms doors.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled directly behind sink next to dish machine.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed under hand washing sink at cook line. Bucket was removed.
Aug 18, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found observed 1 fly around compartment sink area.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked potatoes next to stove top at 129 f cook Reheat the potatoes for over 165 f And place on the steam table.
Nonservice animals in the food establishment or on premises.
Aug 13, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed kitchen employees touching Face then engaging in food preparation.
Live, small flying insects found observed 1 fly around compartment sink area.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Kitchen cooks, changing tasks from cooking to Service.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked potatoes next to stove top at 129 f cook Reheat the potatoes for over 165 f And place on the steam table.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Nonservice animals in the food establishment or on premises.
Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures of cooked time/temperature control for safety food.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Walk in cooler door handle, top surfaces of kitchen shelves, from food debris.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Cooking area.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Kitchen area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed food spills on kitchen walls next to dishwasher area. (Clean where is needed)
Apr 7, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observe several soiled food containers on shelves at walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe sliced ham (47F - Cold Holding); pooled eggs (48F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler at cook line,as per employee less than 2 hours. Employee add ice bags to food containers.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe cooked sausages (121F - Hot Holding) on flat grill at cook line, as per employee less than 2 hours. Employee proceeded to reheat food.
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observe by front counter
Food stored on floor. Observe flour bag, oil container and avocado case stored on floor at dry storage area. Employee stored properly during inspection.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe ice cream scoop on standing water at 92° F at kitchen area, employee removed during inspection.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observe next to dishwasher machine.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observe personal drink inside reach in cooler at cook line, employee removed during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observe raw mahi fillets on standing water by dry storage area. Employee moved to 2 compartment sink and turned on water.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observe behind dishwasher machine.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observe flour and dry pasta containers not identified at dry storage area.
Dec 10, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Food stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Observed plastic container of juice stored on ice used for customer beverages at upstairs bar.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed plastic container of juice stored on ice used for customer beverages at upstairs bar.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked sausage (97F - Hot Holding) at room temperature on stove at cook line. As per employee, less than 2 hours. Employee began reheating product to 165F.
Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed soda gun waste line leading into hand sink at downstairs bar.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board with stains at expo area.
Food stored on floor. Observed container of avocados, plastic water bottles and plastic container of cooking oil stored on floor at dry storage area.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed ice scoop handle touching ice inside bin at downstairs bar.
Observed cutting boards stored on wall soiled with old food debris at expo area.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed sliding door reach in cooler at downstairs bar with standing water.
Stored food not covered. Observed container of beans not covered at dry storage area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with black substance at ware washing area. Observed wall soiled with old food debris at expo area.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet cloths not stored in solution at cook line and bar.
Aug 23, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach in cooler located in the bar area.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 23, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler fan guards soiled
Aug 15, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 25 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority5 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 25 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. In the cook line observed an employee cracked raw shell eggs and contaminated prepping food without washing hands first.
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed cook whipped his face with his Wet wiping cloth used to wipe his station and continued preparing food without washing hands. Spoke to employee and manager and explained the importance of hand washing.
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee touched cooked sausage with bare hands. Employee reheating food.
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed a wiping cloth used to cover clam, stored in a container in the walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In Reach in cooler located in the cook line observed cheese (46F - Cold Holding); ham (49F - Cold Holding); crepes batter (50F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (57F - Cold Holding), as per employee held in this unit for less than 4 hours. Employee placed all affected food items in ice to rapidly cool down.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On the stove observed sausage (113F - Hot Holding); cooked potatoes (110F - Hot Holding), as per employee for less than 4 hours, operator started to heat up the food.
Multiuse food-contact surface not smooth, free of breaks/cracks/chips/pits/crevices. Soup bowl rim chip in multiple areas.
No soap provided at handwash sink. In the ladies bathroom.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food.
Packaged food not labeled as specified by law. Honey in a squeeze bottle not labeled.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. In the walk in cooler observed a container with cooked onions, as per employee held in the cooler for over 24 hours not date marked.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Containers not stored inverted above the preparation table by the walk in freezer.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Walk in cooler floor soiled.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. By the walk in cooler observed gallons of cooking oil stored on the floor and a sack of raw onion stored on the floor by the door exit, a container with raw steak stored on the walk in cooler floor.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed plastic container lid poked with holes, stored in the oven located in the kitchen, employee removed lid and coved container with a new lid.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice cream scoop in water at 99F.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Storage Shelf above the dishwasher surface soiled with grease, food debris. Reach in cooler located in front of the fryers gasket soiled.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed an employee water bottle stored in the reach in cooler located in front of the fryers in the cook line.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach in cooler located in the bar area.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Reach in cooler in the Expo station.
Stored food not covered. Sausage stored in a container in the walk in cooler not covered, employee covered it on site.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wet wiping cloth used to wipe tableware or carry-out containers.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.